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SB 1666

Human Resources, Department of - As enacted, excludes a person or entity that operates a family child care home and obtains a United States department of defense certificate to operate from being subject to licensure as long as such family child care home provides child care services only to an eligible patron. - Amends TCA Title 71, Chapter 3.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Bill exempts DoD-certified family child care homes from Tennessee state licensure if serving only military-eligible families, reducing regulatory oversight.

Companion House Bill substituted
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Bill Summary · SB 1666

Legislative bill overview

SB 1666 exempts family child care homes that obtain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) certificate from state licensure requirements, provided they serve only eligible patrons (typically military families). The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 71, Chapter 3, which governs child care licensing and regulation.

Why is this important

This affects military families stationed in Tennessee who use DoD-certified child care and the private providers serving them. It creates a regulatory pathway where certain child care operations bypass state oversight, potentially expanding affordable child care options for military personnel while reducing state administrative burden on these specific providers.

Potential points of contention

  • Safety and quality assurance gaps: DoD certification standards may differ from Tennessee state standards; exempting these homes from state licensure removes state oversight of health, safety, and staff qualifications
  • Definitional ambiguity: "Eligible patron" is not clearly defined in the bill summary; this could create disputes over who qualifies and enforcement challenges
  • Equity and access concerns: Creates a two-tiered regulatory system where some child care providers face fewer requirements than others, potentially disadvantaging non-military families or providers not seeking DoD certification

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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